April Off to a Decent Start

NEW YORK -Sales of seasonal merchandise predominated during the first week of April, pushing comps up 4.7%, according to the Johnson Redbook. The discount store segment's same-store sales rose 5.7% during the week ended April 9, with the comp for department stores up 2.8%.

"Seasonal programs are generally on track for most retailers as they enter the final month of their first quarter," said Catlin Levis, Redbook analyst. With Easter shifting into the April this year, Redbook expects overall comps for the month will rise 6.1%.